This might be one of the defense’s hardest assignments of the season. The USF offense racked up 47 points and 680 yards in last year’s meeting in Tampa, Fla., a 24-point Illini loss that sent the season into a downward spiral. The Bulls totaled 515 and 426 yards in victories over Elon (34-14) and Georgia Tech (49-38), and quarterback Blake Barnett — a former five-star recruit who originally signed with Alabama before transferring to Arizona State and then USF — is averaging 314.5 yards of total offense with five touchdown passes and one interception. The Illini defense has shown a knack for takeaways with five in two games. It could use some Saturday.

2. Avoid falling behind.

Illinois trailed Western Illinois 7-0 after the first quarter and Kent State 17-3 at halftime. The Illini came back to win both games, scoring a combined 31 third-quarter points and shutting out both opponents in the fourth quarter, but they can’t afford a slow start against the Bulls. Getting the crowd involved early could help; Illinois is winless in three previous games at Soldier Field, losing to Northwestern 24-14 in 2015, to Washington 34-24 in 2013 and to Washington State 10-9 in 1994.

3. Establish a strong running game.

Illinois scored more points in each of the first two games than in any game last season. But the Illini, who also like a quick pace, probably don’t want to get into a track meet with USF’s zippy offense. The rushing attack, which ranks 27th nationally with 258.5 yards per game, has been balanced among Reggie Corbin, Mike Epstein, Ra’Von Bonner and quarterback AJ Bush Jr. Epstein is averaging 8.6 yards on his 16 carries. Maybe this is the game he takes on a bigger workload. The passing game, meanwhile, is full of questions. Freshman M.J. Rivers II filled in nicely for the injured Bush last week, and it’s uncertain who will play Saturday. The Illini might get receiver Ricky Smalling back from an injury, but Mike Dudek and Edwin Carter are out for the season.

Shannon Ryan’s pick: The Illini are still too short-handed with injuries and possible lingering suspensions. They’ll struggle to contain the Bulls. South Florida 42, Illinois 21.